Town and Gown

Initially, the Town of Normal-Illinois State University Town Gown relationship simply addressed off-campus student issues like housing, code enforcement, and noise violations but today, it has grown into a wonderful partnership, a mix of civic engagement and school pride.The Town has a keen understanding of the benefits of having Illinois State University in its backyard.Illinois State University contributes new potential consumers and jobs to the Town while educating residents and out-of-towners alike.

Illinois State University has approximately 21,000 students and because of the close town and gown relationship, many of them end up calling Normal their home. It has always been the Town’s goal to make Redbirds feel like valuable members of this community and these are few of the implemented efforts:

Neighborhood Action Team

Evolving from a town/gown liaison committee from the 1980’s, the Neighborhood Action Team was established in 2000 with Illinois State University staff participating beginning in the early 2000’s. This group manages topical issues that result from the University being centrally located and 14,000 students residing off-campus and interacting with permanent residents daily. Members of NAT work together with neighborhood associations, landlords, residents and students to positively resolve issues for all parties involved. The work of this team has increased livability in near-campus neighborhoods and has built relationships with mutual respect and understanding.